Devotion 16 October 2026

The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. Colossians 1: 15

READING: Colossians 1: 15-23

Paul’s letter to the church in Colossae gave tribute to the power and glory of Christ, focusing on the supremacy of Jesus. This "image of the invisible God" is similar to the words used by John in the opening of His gospel: "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God" (John 1:1). Jesus, who is God the Son, is equal with God the Father (John 10:30). Jesus is God in human form, the visible image of the invisible God. The unseen God became seen, in the form of Jesus.

One of the things that sets Christianity apart from other monotheistic religions is that God came to earth. Jesus became a physical manifestation of God. Paul continues, to expand on the almost inexplicable nature of Jesus. He is before all things, the very first reality. Before anything existed, Jesus was (v17). All that was made was made by Him (v16) and He is the one who continues to hold it all together (v17). Jesus is the fabric of the created order. He is reality.

He is the beginning. Interesting that the word for beginning, here, (Greek "arche"), which can be translated “ruler”, is also a word that can often be translated "corner", referencing the cornerstone of a building - the first stone laid and the weight-bearer of the structure. Another translation of "arche" might be “origin”. All apply. Jesus is God, and God is existence itself. The cornerstone of reality.

All this is somewhat mind-blowing, since we are assured that the Spirit of Christ comes to dwell within all who believe (Romans 8:9). That means that through Christ, we become a part of this cosmic reality. Paul is seeking to expand our perspective, so we may see Jesus for who He actually is. When we do this, it should alter our perspective of our own lives and our own reality. As believers, we become part of something much greater than ourselves.

Prayer

Father God, we worship Jesus Christ, our Lord, today, as being equal and the same in person and in glory with You. We praise You, we worship, we glorify, we give thanks to You for Your great glory. We praise and thank You for the amazing gift of salvation which You have given freely, to all who believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, by grace through faith. Amen